How neurodivergent meet-ups are creating sensory-friendly spaces to socialize - Action News
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How neurodivergent meet-ups are creating sensory-friendly spaces to socialize

NeuroNights, developed by New Heights School and Learning Services, is a sensory-friendly meet-up designed with neurodiversity in mind.

NeuroNights feature dim lighting, no crowds and quiet venues to socialize

three images. one shows a beer next to a colouring page, one shows a poster, and the final image shows a crowd of people by a beer.
The second edition of NeuroNights took place at Cabin Brewing, a taproom in southeast Calgary, at the end of February. Organizer Rachel Thorne says they're in the midst of planning another meet-up due to the strong interest. (Submitted by Rachel Thorne)

A meet-up event for neurodivergent Calgarians has been creating sensory-friendly environments around the city.

NeuroNights, hosted by New Heights School and Learning Services, anorganization for supporting people on the autism spectrum, is a sensory-friendly meet-up event designed with neurodiversity in mind.

Neurodivergence is a non-medical umbrella term that can be used to describe the variety of ways people's brains process information. The term encompasses community members on the autism spectrum, those with ADHD, people withbrain injuries, and many more.

Rachel Thorne, a community and employment coach with New Heights, says that while NeuroNights are tailored for neurodivergent folks, everyone is welcome.

"We're trying to accommodate as much as we can with as much as we know," Thorne told CBC Radio host Loren McGinnis on theCalgary Eyeopener.

So how is NeuroNights making these meet-ups sensory-friendly?

Events feature dimmed lighting, low music levels, condensed and simplified menus, quiet areas awayfrom crowds, and fidget objects. Plus, the events are ticketed to ensure venues will only be about two-thirds full, limiting crowds and loud conversations.

A poster pinned to a wall reads
NeuroNights attendees were offered three colours of wristbands, which could be swapped throughout the night, to indicate their conversation comfort levels. (Submitted by Rachel Thorne)

It's all about creating an environment that limits overwhelming elements, says Thorne.

"I have so many memories of being a kid, in a restaurant, and being completely overwhelmed. At the time, I didn't really know what it meant," said Thorne, who is neurodivergent herself.

"I remember ordering food was impossible for me. My whole family would have ordered their food and I'd just be sitting there, staring at the menu, not taking anything in."

She says that often the restaurant experience is a sensory overload for neurodivergent people, who have a hard time blocking out distractions and socializing in uncomfortable settings.

a hand holds a sheet of paper. the paper says
Guests of last month's NeuroNights event were offered one free drink and a condensed menu that explained some beer flavour profiles. (Submitted by Rachel Thorne)

First-time NeuroNights attendee Tristan, whose last nameCBC News has agreed not to use to protect his privacy,says the event was a good experience for anyone looking for a new way to socialize within their comfort zone.

"Everybody there was very friendly, and I could tell everybody was having a good time," Tristantold CBC News in an interview.

"I would recommend it to anybody else I know who is neurodivergent."

Tristanattended the seconditeration of NeuroNights, which took place at Cabin Brewing last month.

LISTEN | NeuroNights organizer explains the sensory-friendly event:

Attendees also had the opportunity to wear coloured wristbands to indicate their personal comfort levels with having a conversation, and were able to swap for a different colour whenever. Tristan called the wristbands a "great feature" that added to the sensory-friendliness of the event.

"Sometimes some people get shy when it comes to socializing."

New Heights has partnered withlocal breweries to hostthe NeuroNights event. They've now hosted two meet-ups, with plans for a third sometime in the future.

Thorne says creating a sensory-friendly environment can be a simple way for businesses to accommodate a more diverse range of customers.

"We want to show the community that, if you do these few things, more of us are going to be able to come and join in the life of Calgary," she said. "It makes everything better."

With files from the Calgary Eyeopener